The Exorcist
1973 film by William Friedkin · Released December 26, 1973
The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and produced by William Peter Blatty, who adapted his own 1971 novel. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair, and follows the demonic possession of a young girl and the attempt to rescue her through an exorcism by two Catholic priests. Blatty and Friedkin had difficulty casting the film. Their choice of relative unknowns Burstyn, Blair, and Miller, instead of major stars, drew opposition from executives at Warner Bros.
Cast ages when filming began (August 14, 1972)
- Ellen Burstyn, as Chris MacNeil: 39
- Max von Sydow, as Father Lankester Merrin: 43
- Lee J. Cobb, as Lieutenant William F. Kinderman: 60
- Kitty Winn, as Sharon Spencer: 29
- Jack MacGowran, as Burke Dennings: 53
- Linda Blair, as Regan MacNeil: 13
- William O'Malley: 40
- Peter Masterson, as Dr. Barringer: 38
- William Peter Blatty: 44
- Rudolf Schündler, as Karl: 66
- Jason Miller, as Father / Dr. Damien Karras: 33
- Eileen Dietz: 27